Happy Birthday Jonathan!  Thanks for sharing!

Its my sober birthday. 4 years ago I made one of the best decisions ever, turn my life and will over to God. It would be easy to write about how it used to be (I have hundreds of entries that you can skim through) or what life is like today (amazing blessings that could never be totally explained through words). Even though the day isn’t over I want to share what happened at this mornings devotional.

Grace told me that I needed to celebrate today not for me but to share my experience, strength & hope with others. She suggested (ok, really made it a direction) that I spend every moment with those with less sobriety time than me ALL day. Kinda odd since I live with 15 new sober guys but anyway I told her I would.

During the 3G’s (grateful, good & goal) I was shocked how many people said they were grateful for me. Considering that I feel that Im the hardass, rule enforcing, call people out on their sh!t, etc….it was nice when I realized what they see is Christ like love, mercy, forgives, grace, selflessness and compassion. Being surrounded by both the men and women of our sober living homes was a blessing.

What made me want to cry was when one of the guys (who I am CONSTANTLY reminding about cleanliness, chores, getting a job) shared what he thought about me.

“I don’t know where I would be without Jon in my life. When I first met him my life was a disaster. Everything that he does is done in love for every person he comes in contact with. It doesn’t matter if Jon is pissed off, half asleep, happy, writing, talking on the phone, etc. At anytime of day regardless of what he is going through we all have come to know that he will drop everything to minister/pray with any of us.”

After all the affirmations that were given my way what he said touched my heart. It isn’t the physical or mental transformations that is of the utmost importance to me. Having someone single out my spiritual contributions was beyond special. While at lunch Grace said that its not just the heart I have for Sanctuary but a heart for anyone battling addiction that draws people to me.

Sometimes I fall for the lies that Satan whispers in my ear that Im not making a difference and that the sacrifices I have made are in vain. Its only 230 and the phone calls, text messages, emails have all had a central totally God ordained theme… Im making a difference in more peoples lives than I ever imagined and God is using me for His glory even though I am far from perfect.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, (Psalm 103:2-4)

It can be done!